This item is one of the traditional Japanese crafts called "Shikki". It is a craft in which special paint is applied over and over again, and each region of Japan produces its own unique "Shikki". There are two main types of Shikki, one painted with Urushi and the other painted with urethane or acrylic paint.
·Urushi coated
This is a traditional type of wood coated with multiple layers of Urushi. Urushi is the sap of the Urushi tree, which grows in East Asia, and has been used since ancient times as a paint and adhesive. It is not applied to make it look luxurious, but to make it strong. It is very expensive, but the more you use it, the more it changes its appearance. When it deteriorates, you can use it again with another coat of Urushi.
It is also very difficult to reproduce the texture of Shikki in photographs, and many people may wonder why this plastic-like material is so expensive. You have to actually touch it with your hands to understand how good it is.
Every repair costs money and time, but as long as you repair it, you can use it forever. For this reason, I recommend them to people who want to use one chopstick for a long time.
·Urethane and acrylic coated
Urethane and acrylic paints can express the texture of Urushi, but at a lower price. They are also more resistant to sudden temperature changes than Urushi, and many of them are UV-resistant, dryable, and dishwasher-safe.
However, if you want to use them for a long period of time, it is best to avoid UV rays and dishwashers. Even if they are dishwasher-safe, they will last longer if you dont use them. I have been using this type of chopsticks every day for six years, and I wash them by hand every day. Therefore, they have not deteriorated at all. If I had used the dishwasher every day, they probably would have deteriorated.
Nevertheless, it is easy to handle compared to Urushi lacquered ones. For this reason, this type of shikki is widely used in modern Japan, both in high-end Japanese restaurants and in homes. There are many kinds, from inexpensive ones made by machines to expensive ones carefully made one by one by craftsmen.
I recommend these chopsticks to people who want to take it easy but still use good chopsticks without thinking too hard.
·About this item
This chopsticks have a urethane coating. It is carefully made one by one by craftsmen. I recommend this item to people who want to use easy but good chopsticks without thinking about difficult things. I will also send them in the paulownia box shown in the picture to prevent damage during shipping.
·About Wakasa Lacquered (Wakasa-nuri) Chopsticks
Wakasa-nuri began in the 1600s when craftsmen incorporated the appearance of the ocean floor into their designs. A unique technique was developed to express the beauty of the ocean floor by embedding various shells in Urushi. In 1635, the name "Wakasa-nuri" was given to the shikki made in this area. The luxurious Wakasa-nuri was only allowed to be used by wealthy nobles and samurai.
Today, about 80% of the chopsticks sold in Japan are Wakasa-nuri chopsticks. Wakasa-nuri chopsticks are also popular as gifts because of their beautiful patterns. There are a wide variety of chopsticks, from high-grade chopsticks with beautiful patterns made by polishing many layers of lacquer shells, gold and silver leaf, to modern designs.
·Chopsticks can last a long time depending on how you handle them.
①
After use, wash them with lukewarm water or water and wipe them with a soft cloth.
Do not leave them in the water for a long time.
②
Even if your chopsticks are dishwasher-safe, they will last longer if you wash them by hand.
③
Brushes and polish can cause scratches.
④
Store chopsticks in a place with low humidity and out of direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight may cause discoloration.
I am a Japanese living in Tokyo and I love to cook. I sell only real items. Also, please do not worry about used items. I possess a permit to sell used issued by the Japanese police.
·About new kitchen knives.
I sell only great value for money knives, which are almost unknown outside of Japan.
·About used kitchen knives.
I sell only used knives that are of original quality, condition, and commensurate with the purchase price.
·About other items.
I sell items that I think are good and yet difficult to find outside of Japan.
·About the auction.
I do not auction items for which I know the manufacturer, material, and MPN because I know the fair price. I will auction items that have unclear things, items that are new but have been opened for photography, or when replacing inventory.
■About Delivery■
①
I send items via Japan Post or Fedex.
②
Since around January 2020, there have been many airline flight delays worldwide. Please understand that the arrival of your items may be significantly delayed than expected due to this.
③
Import duties, taxes, and s are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These s are the buyers responsibility. Please check with your countrys customs office to determine. What these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
*In the case of the U.S., if the amount is $800 or less, including shipping costs, there will be no customs duty.
■Custom declaration■
Customs declaration form will be filled out with the exact amount paid for by buyer. Please do not ask me to lower the declared value. Buyer is responsible for taxes due to their countrys tax code.
■Other■
I will always try to solve problem so please contact me before you open a case.
Regards,